Australia urged to pressure Pakistan over Hazara killings

Refugee advocates are calling on the Australian Government to pressure Pakistan to stop the escalating violence against the Hazara community.

Around 200 Hazaras have died in violent attacks in Pakistan in recent months, including last week's bombing in Quetta which killed more than 80 people.

The chief executive of the Refugee Council of Australia, Paul Power, says Pakistan has played a role as a refuge for Afghans fleeing violence in their home country.

He says Australia should be lobbying the Pakistan Government to provide a safer environment for the Hazara people.

"The concern of Hazara people in Pakistan is that terrorist activities are occurring and there is no justice," Mr Power said.

"At a bilateral level the Australian Government must be raising with the government of Pakistan the importance of investigating these terrorist attacks and ensuring that the perpetrators are being brought to justice."

He says the increasing violence suffered by Hazara refugees in Pakistan is a factor in them seeking asylum in Australia.

Protests were held in the Australian capital Canberra and cities of Melbourne and Brisbane on Monday to highlight the plight of the Hazaras in Pakistan.